A closed door meeting to brainstorm on regional investment plans and diversification of the supply chain to India was held on May 7th through AMCHAM’s Western Region. The webinar interaction included key stakeholders from the Government of Maharashtra, U.S. Consulate Mumbai and AMCHAM members that participated and shared candid views. Officials of the Government of Maharashtra shared an overview of the initiatives of the government and shared their keen interest to work in partnership with U.S. industry to create an ease of doing business in the state. A candid exchange of experiences and information including best practices and challenges were brought to fore. Expected reforms in policies, land issues and infrastructure were some of the challenges which needed immediate attention.

Consul General David J. Ranz, U.S. Consulate Mumbai, shared the expectation of the U.S. government while Mr. Sudhir Shenoy, Chairman – Western Region, AMCHAM and CEO, Dow Chemical International and Mr. Sarthak Ranade, Vice Chairman – Western Region, AMCHAM and MD, Janssen India, shared industry expectations. The officials from the Government of Maharashtra included Mr. B. Venugopal Reddy, Principal Secretary, Department of Industries, Mr. Bhushan Gagrani, Principal Secretary, State Coordination, COVID Response Team and Industrial Investments, and Dr. P Anbalgan, CEO, MIDC. The meeting was immediately followed by an exclusive interaction with senior leadership of Department of Industries, Government of Maharashtra on ‘COVID-19 Operational Challenges During Lockdown and The Way Forward.’